Beyond the Tour: Adding ambient lighting without the help of an interior designer
By Shannon Osztonits -
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Are you an ambience kind of person? Whether you realise it or not, a home’s ambience plays a large part in the overall mood, feeling and synergy of a place. Not just for you as the person living there, but also for when guests (family, friends or colleagues) come over.
A home with good ambience makes all the difference.
One of the smallest, not overly subtle and effective ways to do this is through lighting.
“In terms of atmosphere, we wanted the home to feel warm, cosy, and clean. A predominantly white palette was chosen as the foundation, allowing the architectural forms to take centre stage. This was complemented by warm, ambient lighting to soften the space and create a welcoming, lived-in feel,” explain the homeowners Lee Zheng Cong & Helen Chin of a 3-bedroom Leedon Heights Condo.
For centuries, lighting has been used to change the feeling of a space. Candles have been around since the Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome time periods.
During the 9th century, Couronne de lumière (crown-shaped iron structures lined with candles) lit the hallways of castles. Candlebeams were especially popular during medieval times.
Fast forward to modern times, and candles were replaced with electrical lighting.
Throughout Zheng Cong and Helen Chin’s home, lighting plays a major design role. Each corner, including the false ceilings, was thoughtfully processed with the help of various ambient lighting and tones. Not only does it add to the design aesthetic, but softens the mood of the condo’s all-white-favouring colour palette.
If you don’t plan on renovating any time soon, still live with your parents and don’t yet own a home, or are currently renting a flat, here are some affordable ambient lighting options for different needs, moods and feelings, whether you want to amp up the cosy vibes or want to create a specific focal point in a room.
These affordable ambient lighting options require no drills or tools to install, nor any hacking of ceilings or walls to mount.
Table Lamps
Table lamps are an excellent way to add ambience to any room, whether it’s a bedroom, study, the living room, or even your kitchen counter. Warm lighting creates warmth and cosiness; cooler-toned light bulbs are great for focus.
MJ PREMIER Cordless Lamps with Timer Battery Operated Lamp Glass Table Lamp at $54.90 from Amazon
MJ PREMIER Cordless Lamps with Timer Battery Operated Lamp Glass Table Lamp, $54.90
2 Pack Rechargeable Cordless Table Lamp, Portable Powered LED Battery is priced at $101 from Amazon
2 Pack Rechargeable Cordless Table Lamp, Portable Powered LED Battery, $101
Bedside Lamp with Wooden Base, 9-Level Dimmable is priced at $45 from Amazon
Bedside Lamp with Wooden Base, 9-Level Dimmable, $45
Floor Lamps
Not only does a floor lamp add ambience, but it can be used as an extra design touch in a space. The type of shape and size of the floor lamp shade can affect how much light it gives off.
6 Globe Mid Century Modern Floor Lamp for Living Room is priced at $161.71 from Shopee
6 Globe Mid Century Modern Floor Lamp for Living Room, $161.71
Original price $229 (30 per cent discount)
DGY | Modern Atmosphere Floor Lamp is priced at $29.96 from Lazada
DGY | Modern Atmosphere Floor Lamp, $29.96
Original price $72.58 (63 per cent discount)
Stick-on LED light strips
Zheng Cong and Helen Chin chose to add a rectangular-shaped LED strip in the bathrooms to contrast the warmer shades, as well as for aesthetics.
Nowadays, you can get temporary LED strip lights - the perfect option for renters.
Koyama COB LED strip light tri color warm white 24V is priced at $19.60 from Shopee
Koyama COB LED strip light tri color warm white 24V, $19.60
Original price $28 (30 per cent discount)
MONLEYTA | Smart Voice Control LED Night Light is priced at $34 from Lazada
MONLEYTA | Smart Voice Control LED Night Light, $34
Removable wall scones
We love a good wall scone, for both ambience and design. Renter-friendly wall scones are removable, leaving no trace of the lighting once you move, and require no hacking or drilling to install.
Koopala LED Sconces is priced at $23.99 from Amazon
Koopala LED Sconces, $23.99
Original price $31.99 (25 per cent discount)
Dimmable LED Pearl Sconce is priced at $79 from Etsy
Dimmable LED Pearl Sconce, $79
Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are an oldie but a goodie, and are especially wonderful for an outdoor space, patio, balcony or children’s room.
LED Fairy Lights Globe String Ball is priced at $15 from Shopee
LED Fairy Lights Globe String Ball, $15
Original price $20 (23 per cent discount)